Reginald felt as if he were being pinned to a wall. Emily was dissecting Triesenberg's motivations with surgical precision, forcing him into a corner. He couldn't deny outright what she was suggesting, not without risking the appearance of lying. "Valoria's intervention raised questions," he replied carefully.
"A nation without known alliances or history, suddenly projecting power in a foreign conflict—it raised eyebrows."
Emily's smile was thin, a mere shadow of amusement. "It seems that the Triesenberg Empire doesn't appreciate having its sphere of influence challenged. You saw a nation acting outside of your narrative, and it unsettled you. That's why you approached us, isn't it? To uncover the extent of Valoria's capabilities, to see whether we pose a threat or a potential ally."
He couldn't help but admire her audacity. She had laid out Triesenberg's intentions with unnerving clarity, stripping away the polite facade of diplomacy. Reginald felt the weight of her words pressing on him, leaving little room for maneuver. "Every responsible power seeks to understand the world around it," he said, his voice controlled.
"Valoria's rapid rise and its engagement in global affairs warrant scrutiny. We aim to ensure stability, nothing more."
Emily's gaze bore into him, unyielding. "Stability or dominance, Lord Reginald? Triesenberg's history is not one of mere peacekeeping. Your empire thrives on control, on having a hand in the affairs of others. You claim to seek stability, yet it is always stability on your terms."
Reginald clenched his jaw but forced his expression to remain neutral. She was boxing him in, leaving him with few options but to either admit to Triesenberg's calculated power plays or to continue the charade of benevolence. "You speak as if Valoria seeks nothing but isolation, Minister Harris," he countered. "Yet here we are, discussing potential diplomatic relations.
Clearly, your nation has interests that extend beyond its borders."
Emily leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "Valoria seeks to exist on its own terms, Lord Reginald. We do not aim to be a pawn in the great games of established powers. You approached us not out of goodwill but out of strategic curiosity. You wished to measure us, to understand if we could be manipulated or coerced. And now that you see that we are not so easily swayed, you find yourself at an impasse."
"Very well," he said, keeping his voice as steady as possible. "Triesenberg will consider Valoria's terms. But understand this: trust is not given freely. It must be earned."
Emily's eyes softened, though they still held that sharp edge. "We understand that all too well, Lord Reginald. Trust is built over time. We are prepared to take those steps, but not at the cost of our sovereignty."
He inclined his head slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment if not agreement. "Then let us see where this path leads, Minister Harris."
Emily nodded. "Indeed. Let us see."
Emily held Reginald's gaze for a moment longer, then glanced at the folder in front of her, closing it with a deliberate motion. "I believe we've covered enough ground for now, Lord Reginald," she said calmly. "It's clear that both our nations have much to consider. As such, we'll take a short break before proceeding further."
Reginald masked his relief with a curt nod, grateful for the pause. He needed time to regroup, to analyze the exchange and figure out how to approach the next part of their dialogue. Emily had cornered him effectively, and he knew he needed to be more careful in how he navigated the conversation moving forward.
Emily stood, signaling the end of the current round of discussions. "We have prepared refreshments in the adjoining room," she continued. "You may take this time to collect your thoughts. I will return shortly."
Reginald rose as well, maintaining his composed demeanor. "Very well, Minister Harris. A break will be appreciated."
With a brief nod, Emily gestured toward a side door. "Through there, you will find a lounge where you can relax. I will have some tea and light snacks brought to you."